RV 12 homemade rudder gust lock?

[Joe Mckamey]

Anyone have any ideas or plans for a rudder gust lock possibly out of PVC or something inexpensive? Vans towbar is out of stock and in my opinion overpriced.

Thanks in advance for any good ideas

 

[Bob Y]

Here’s mine. 1/4” thick neoprene strips. Simple and cheap.

 

[12vaitor]

Combination of PVC and a couple of 3D printed parts. The curved foot increases pressure on the pedals as you push it down in the foot well.

https://www.printables.com/model/173359-vans-aircraft-rv-12-rudder-pedal-gust-lock

 

[wirejock]

I think the cleverest gust lock I've seen was a roll of 5" packing plastic. Twist it. Tie off. Wrap the rudder and VS. Repeat on the elevators. Then twist it again and tie the rudder to the elevators. When it's time to leave, cut it off and throw it away.

 

[G JWTP]

Plywood and some old carpet. Size to suit.
Ok a bit like Frankensteins ugly sister but it works.


John.

 

[Brett H]

Anyone have any ideas or plans for a rudder gust lock possibly out of PVC or something inexpensive? Vans towbar is out of stock and in my opinion overpriced.

Thanks in advance for any good ideas

I don’t remember where I first saw it, but this my implementation.

Three things that I like about them are:
1.) They store nicely in the RV-12 extrusion
2.). I can install and remove them while sitting in the airplane
3.) I think that they would be hard to be left accidentally installed or left behind after removing

Brett H
Columbus, IN

 

[seagull]

I use the stock tow bar. I know it is overpriced but it does work well at a minimum weight penalty. Installed correctly it locks the brakes and rudder. Additionally I added a strap to center the ailerons and neutralize the elevator in conjunction with the seat belt. A picture is worth 1000 words.

 

[CessnaTPA]

I made this "temporary" one a few years ago and it works.

 

[Tony_T]

Here are mine. Caveat - I would not trust any of these in very strong winds.